{"id":4440,"date":"2017-09-05T14:59:43","date_gmt":"2017-09-05T14:59:43","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/performerstuff.com\/mgs\/?p=4440"},"modified":"2017-09-26T19:28:22","modified_gmt":"2017-09-26T19:28:22","slug":"10-things-to-keep-you-audition-ready-at-a-moments-notice","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/performerstuff.com\/mgs\/10-things-to-keep-you-audition-ready-at-a-moments-notice\/","title":{"rendered":"10 Things to Keep You Audition Ready at a Moment\u2019s Notice"},"content":{"rendered":"

10 Things\u00a0That’ll Keep You Audition Ready at a Moment\u2019s Notice<\/h3>\n \"\"<\/a><\/span>

Written by\u00a0Meghan Mitchell<\/p>\n

August 30, 2017<\/p>\n<\/font>

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Have you ever found yourself scrambling to get ready for an audition last minute? Ever felt panicked that you won\u2019t be ready in the morning?\u00a0 Here are a few tips and tricks to keep you prepped and ready for an audition, even if it happens to be the very next day. Whether it\u2019s the right pair of shoes, staples for your head shot and resume, or an extra spritz of antiperspirant, you should always be ready to present your best self, never caught off guard when looking to impress.<\/p>\n

1.\u00a0Keep a planner.<\/h4>\n
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It\u2019s easy to look at an audition notice and think, \u201cGreat! I\u2019ll go to that on that day! I\u2019ve got plenty of time to prepare!\u201d First things first, mark it down in your calendar\u2014that date will come much faster than you think if you are, indeed, not thinking about it. Having a clear visual of when an audition is will help keep yourself organized so you\u2019re not surprised last minute. Whether it\u2019s a physical planner, audition notebook, or a calendar on your phone\/computer, it\u2019s best to keep track of auditions however you work best.<\/p>\n

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2. Ready to go headshots.<\/h4>\n
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Printing your headshots in bulk is always helpful\u2014running out to Walgreens at 2am is not. Sometimes, it does happen, and you forget that you are running low, but there are a few great printing companies that can help keep multiples on hand at a moment\u2019s notice. Argentum<\/strong><\/span><\/a> is a great company for multiples. They can also give you a digital copy, and they have huge sales during peak audition seasons (typically in February).<\/p>\n

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3. And\u2026 resumes.<\/h4>\n
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Resumes are always changing, and a performer might have multiple different ones for film or stage. Don\u2019t be formatting your resume last minute! Always have a ready to go resume on your desktop, and, idyllically, a printer at home. Having a paper trimmer is also helpful to cut 9 \u00bd x 11 paper to 8 x 10 (you can find these at scrapbooking stores or online) so that your headshot and resume fit together. As a performer, you should treat your home like your office. After all, you are your own boss\u2014it\u2019s best to keep \u2018office\u2019 supplies on hand.<\/p>\n

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4. What do I bring?<\/h4>\n
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Skimmed the audition notice and now you\u2019re worried you won\u2019t have the right outfit or dance wear for your audition? Just take it with you. It\u2019s better to have a few extra pounds in your bag rather than walking in unprepared. Unless it\u2019s a tapping show, you don\u2019t need tap shoes, but virtually every other type of shoe? It\u2019s best to have it on hand. Bring an extra dance shirt too\u2014do you sweat under pressure? Bring three! Having a travel size antiperspirant and mouthwash are always good to have packed and ready to go too. You never know!<\/p>\n

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5. Snacks!<\/h4>\n
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The last thing you\u2019re thinking about when rushing to an audition last minute is food\u2026 and how long you might be sitting at the audition. Always throw something in your bag with you; an apple, banana, something to give you lasting energy. Trail mix virtually never goes bad. Keeping a stash of mixed nuts or a Cliff Bar or two is always a good idea. We have all been there\u2014stuck on round three of audition cuts, eating that mushed protein bar at the bottom of the bag, but hey, it\u2019s better than nothing!<\/p>\n

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6. Memorizing quickly.<\/h4>\n
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For memorizing quickly\u2014focus, then forget. Whether it\u2019s a side that needs to be memorized for the next day, or you have a new monologue, the best thing I have found is to memorize, memorize, memorize, take a nap, wake up, and repeat. Taking a short rest helps solidify things in your brain. Focus as hard as you can, then relax\u2026 almost like interval training! If you can\u2019t nap, then do something completely different, even for 5 minutes, then come back to it. Lastly, get a good night\u2019s sleep before your audition. Cramming like it\u2019s a college final is never helpful.<\/p>\n

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7. First line = strongest line<\/h4>\n
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If I have a brand new monologue or song, I will go over that first line or two, over and over, right before walking in the room. You want to be strong right out the gate, and then no matter what happens, trust in your professionalism and preparation to get you through the rest. If it\u2019s a monologue, the directors won\u2019t know it line for line. If it\u2019s a side you got the day before, chances are they know<\/em> you only received it yesterday, and they\u2019re looking for characterization and you<\/em>, more than the exact words on the page!<\/p>\n

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8. All the small things.<\/h4>\n
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Staples, bobby pins, safety pins\u2026 you never know what you might need! Just like a boy scout, even if you\u2019re running last minute to an audition, always have items with you to help you out in a pinch. Audition number not sticking to your outfit? Always have a safety pin on hand. Need to staple your headshot and resume? They make tiny staplers that will do the trick\u2014keep one in your audition bag along with any pencils, pens, highlighters, or other last minute office supplies you might need.<\/p>\n

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9. Should I\u2026?<\/h4>\n
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Trying to hit every audition in the tri-state area? Sometimes, it\u2019s best to know when to say \u2018enough is enough.\u2019 If it\u2019s the night before, you\u2019re not prepped, it\u2019s your 3rd<\/sup> audition of the week, or you\u2019re rushing to get back in town\u2026 it is okay <\/em>not to make every single audition. If you know you\u2019re not going to show your best self, then wait until next time. The director wants to see the best version of you; after all, auditioning is a \u2018job interview\u2019. If you know you won\u2019t deliver, it\u2019s okay to pass. Auditions always come back around.<\/p>\n

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10. Take a breath.<\/h4>\n
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Maybe you were stuck in traffic, or you\u2019ve been waiting 5 hours to be seen, maybe you spilled coffee all over yourself and this is your third outfit of the day. As they say, \u201cstuff\u201d happens. Don\u2019t let it get into your head when you walk into the room. Take a moment, take a breath, and focus. Not all auditions are perfect, not all lead to work\u2014just showing up and being prepared is half the battle. When you walk in the room, trust in the work you\u2019ve done, and do what you do best\u2026 perform!<\/p>\n
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Need some advice? We\u2019ve got you covered.<\/h3>\n